Getting custom orthoses or prostheses can seem like an overwhelming process. Don’t worry, BioTech is here to describe what your first appointment will be like to help ease your mind.

At BioTech, we are committed to a comfortable, expectation-surpassing experience every single time you visit. We truly view our patients as family and will do everything in our power to help you get the help you need for achieving your dreams!

What Should I Expect?

We take our work personally. We are here to make sure that every part of the process is tailored to your needs and desires. For this reason, the first appointment is dedicated to getting to know you as a patient and as a person.

We will ask you a series of questions. We need some insight to your personality and lifestyle. Depending on how active you are, we can provide the right orthoses and custom prostheses. We will analyze your needs and work our hardest to provide the most appropriate and effective solutions.

Is a Fitting First?

It depends on your residual limb. If you have recently experienced limb loss, the swelling of your residual limb will need to time to decrease and heal. A fitting involves measuring your limb and creating a cast as a mold for your new device. For the most accurate measurements, it is important to wait until the swelling has gone down.

At BioTech Limb and Brace, we offer expedited fittings. With advanced technology, we are able to get you in and out of the office in no time. These expedited fittings for patients coming from out of town are key! We want to make sure that we are efficient and timely.

During the fitting, we will use image capture interface model development and utilize diagnostic socket fitting and alignment to help you get the perfect fit. Then, we deliver your finished device, orthosis or prosthesis with care.

Make Your First Appointment Today!

Recognize your possibilities with BioTech Limb and Brace in Birmingham, Alabama today. We are here to help you achieve your dreams with a custom fitted prosthetic or orthotic device. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace today to learn more about how we can help you realize your possibilities with our dedicated team.

Custom prosthetics design can transform lives. We see it every single day as we work with our incredibly and inspiring patients. But we also see some patients run into situations with their prostheses that require a bit of care and planning.

To help you with your prosthetic devices, check out these tips below.

Be Wary of Water

Your prosthesis is not waterproof. Therefore, swimming or taking a shower should not be done while wearing your prosthesis. Custom prosthetic design usually involves metal components. Those parts can rust and therefore become damaged if exposed to water. If your prosthetic device does get wet, dry it off and take it to your prosthetist immediately for evaluation.

Do Not Walk Barefoot

Your lower prosthetic device is meant to be worn with a shoe. Therefore, walking barefoot increases stress on your prosthesis, which can cause mechanical problems and irritation around your residual limb. Additionally, doing so can void your warranty.

Alignment is Important

To operate at optimal performance, it is important that your prosthesis remain properly aligned. If your custom prosthetic device ever feels uncomfortable, talk to your prosthetist first. Never try to make adjustments on your own.

Listen to What You’re Hearing

If you are hearing sounds from your prosthesis, such as squeaking or crunching, you should check on your device immediately. Noises usually indicate mechanical problems that you should let your prosthetist analyze. For your safety and comfort, talk to a professional as soon as possible.

Have a Safety Chair

Many times those with limb loss can wake up in the middle of the night to get a drink or use the restroom without being fully awake and aware. They may try to take a step without first putting on their device and then fall on their residual limb which can cause injury. For this reason, placing a chair next to your bed can help bump you awake and act as a safety net if you do fall.

Learn about proper prosthetic care at BioTech Limb and Brace. Let our team help you improve your functionality and comfort with a custom prosthetics design.

We specialize in custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace to make an appointment or give us a call today to learn how we can help you recognize your possibilities.

Your prosthesis is a unique tool that provides you with comfort and functionality. However, like any tool, your custom prosthesis can simply lose its effectiveness with time, especially due to a changing fit. Therefore, replacing your prosthesis is vital.

Replace Sooner than Later

Most professionals recommend replacing your device every three to five years. Depending on your lifestyle, how much daily wear and tear your device experiences, and your personal preferences, your replacement may need to be made sooner.

Many invest in a new custom prosthesis sooner than later to avoid inconvenient maintenance visits and fees. Repairs add up over time. When parts are worn, your prosthesis does not function as it should. It can also be uncomfortable and require you to exert more energy.

To improve the efficiency of your device, your first socket should be replaced within the first three to six months. The socket will most likely have to be replaced two or three times within in the year. Frequent changes are best.

Recognizing Residual Limb Change

The longer you have your prostheses, the better you will get at recognizing residual limb changes. Your prosthetist will always have the best recommendations. Every three months, it is best to check in with your professional for preventative care.

For utmost comfort, wearing more than one sock can help. However, having to wear thicker ply socks is a sign of limb shrinkage. This can affect how well your socket fits your residual limb. Our BioTech comfort sockets help provide the most comfort and functionality.

Any red or sore area should be tended to immediately. That is usually a sign of the residual limb changing shape.

Let the Experts at BioTech Help Today!

Learn about proper prosthetic socket care at BioTech Limb and Brace. Let our team help you improve your functionality and comfort with a custom prosthesis today!

We specialize in custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. Contact BioTech Limb and Brace to make an appointment or give us a call today to learn how we can help you recognize your possibilities.

There are many reasons why your prosthesis may be giving you trouble. Usually it has to do with your residual limb. If you allow yourself to get frustrated, you may tighten your muscles, which only makes the problem worse. So, just try to relax and follow these simple tips:

#1: If your residual limb is swollen, it may be because you are not wearing your shrinker sock overnight. Try putting your shrinker on for about half an hour and then try again.It could also be a result of your sock ply. The thicker the ply, the more difficult it may be to get the prosthesis on in the morning. If you usually sleep with a five ply sock, try wearing a three or four ply to make it more comfortable.

#2: If your prosthetic socket has a silicone liner with a locking pin, ensure that the pin is straight before putting on your prosthesis. If it is angled, it will not engage the mechanism and therefore will not lock.It is also possible for the lock release button to get stuck if dirt or other materials enter the hole where the pin goes.

#3: If your prosthetic won’t come off, do not panic. First always contact your personal physician or therapist for assistance. If it is after hours or you are traveling with your prosthesis, and you need to remove your prosthesis socket yourself, you first need to remove your residual limb from the suction liner.Get a cup of water and soap. Warm the soapy water, and then slowly pour it all around inside between the liner and your skin. Then, remove your residual limb by twisting the liner off very gently. If the liner still does not come off, you will need to make an emergency appointment immediately because your residual limb should not stay wet in the liner for very long.

#4: If the release button is broken, because it has fallen out or simply won’t work, try using a screwdriver or pliers to push where the button should be in order to release the lock. Then, contact professional limb and brace services immediately to get the button replaced.Remember that all prosthetic supplies, including covers, skins, shrinkers, suspension sleeves, and gel liners require a prescription for a reason. Make sure that every piece of your prosthesis is custom fit to your needs to avoid pain and discomfort.

In 2006, Danielle Brooke was jetskiing with her middle school friends at Lake Martin during the summer. A tow rope used to pull a float was coiled up and left in the footwell on the jet ski.

Danielle was excited to be in the water and stepped onto the jet ski and took off – without realizing that the rope was still in the well. The rope caught around her ankle, and due to the high speed, leading to her limb loss from the calf down.

During her stay at Children’s Hospital following the accident, Danielle met Eric at BioTech Limb and Brace. By August that same year, Danielle was walking on her new custom prosthetic leg.

Like many of our amazing and inspiring patiences, merely walking was only the start of her incredible journey and aspirations. She had her sights set on more.

Not long after receiving her prosthesis, Danielle was ready to jump into high school athletics – always having the heart, perseverance, and passion of a true athlete. To excel, she needed a running prosthesis.

Danielle Gets Her First BioTech Running Prosthesis

BioTech helped develop custom running prosthesis for Danielle that allowed her to join the school track team and run for two years.

To help Danielle get used to the new device, fellow amputees at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama talked her through the process, helped her adjust to the new lifestyle, and showed her how to run on her new leg.

By sixteen years old, Danielle was barrel racing with horses and realized that she needed to modify her current running prosthesis in order to get a better fit.

With her new leg, Danielle was simply excelling, she even joined her high school cheerleading team. With BioTech’s help, Danielle got a knee brace that increased the comfort and function of her running prosthesis to make it a better fit for her new love for cheerleading.

Throughout Danielle’s entire journey, the BioTech team has loved helping Danielle to recognize and achieve her possibilities with proper fitting and functioning prosthetic devices.

Realize Your Possibilities with BioTech Limb & Brace

Danielle has been with BioTech for nine years and most recently become the mother of an adorable six-month-old baby. She has gone from chasing after gold medals to chasing after her a little one.

To all of those who have suffered limb loss, she offers a few words of inspiration:

Life does not end just because you lose a limb. I’ve done way more after my accident than before with help from BioTech technology.

We are proud of Danielle and her accomplishments and are ecstatic that we have been able to be part of her incredible journey.

At BioTech, we treat all of our patients like family. Let us help you recognize your possibilities and achieve your dreams with a custom fitted prosthetic or orthotic device.

Meet Quin, a good-humored, baseball-playing, thirteen year old from Alexander City with an incredible attitude and heart. After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bones, Quin’s leg had to be amputated above the knee.

Brian Horton with BioTech, met Quin in Children’s Hospital while he was being treated with radiation therapy. After forming a personal relationship with him, Brian discovered Quin’s affinity for sports, particularly baseball. Quin’s mother shared videos of him helping local baseball teams with drills and Brian was inspired and was determined to help Quin continue to achieve his dreams and pursue his love for sports.

A Custom Running Prosthesis for Quin

Since Quin’s limb loss was above the knee, BioTech was met with the challenge of getting the prosthesis to fit and remain adjustable. Why? During and between radiation treatments the size and shape of Quin’s leg would fluctuate slightly, which required frequent readjustments to keep the prosthesis comfortable and allow Quin to continue functioning at an optimal level.

Brian knew that the right running prosthesis was essential to help Quin get back on the field, which was the ultimate goal. Brian worked with the BioTech team to develop custom-fit prosthetic device to provide Quin with utmost comfort and flexibility.

Using a shrinker for fitting (a compression sock), Brian measured the circumference of Quin’s leg and began to design the new running prosthesis as they waited for Quin’s sutures to heal.

The Ottobock running prosthesis was made in house at BioTech Limb and Brace, shaped like a J, made with carbon pylon, which was chosen due to its light weight.

Within hours of the first fitting, Quin was making his way up and down stairs and across the parking lot in his evaluation socket, getting used to the feel of a new running prosthesis. By August, a mere two months later, he was out and running around without any trouble.

Quin has become known at BioTech for his personality and perseverance. He’s even formed a relationship with another well-known BioTech patient, Noah Galloway, along the way. Noah invited Quin to watch him live in LA on Dancing with the Stars. There, he met celebrity basketball star, Kobe Bryant (and told him his favorite basketball player was LeBron James!). Bryant did not hesitate to tell Quin that he taught LeBron “everything he knows” – to which Quin replied, “Not everything.”

We are so very proud of how far Quin has come and are thrilled to have him as part of the BioTech family. He truly is an inspiration to all of us every single day.

The BioTech Advantage

At BioTech, we strive to make every person who walks in our door feel like family. Our goal is simple – to help people recognize and then achieve their possibilities!

If you have suffered from limb loss, then we think it is important to understand that you are not alone! Although everyone has different experiences and specific situations that led to amputation, there is an amazing community that will be there to help you along the way.

BioTech Limb and Brace has put together some helpful tips for those dealing with limb loss to help you adjust. Check them out below.

The Feeling You Get Immediately After Surgery WILL Pass

One of the most important things to remember is that every amputee goes through the common stages of dealing with their situation. Many report waking up after the operation with a variety of feelings. Rest assured that the feelings of uncertainty, fear, and being overwhelmed will pass.

Turn “What If” Into Optimistic Thinking

Thanks to modern technology, living life as someone dealing with the loss of a limb has an absolutely amazing outlook. It is important that you try to combat negative and “what if” thinking with optimistic, positive outlooks. There are hundreds – no thousands – of incredible stories of amputees that are accomplishing their dreams – the same exact dreams they had before becoming an amputee. You can do it and reminding yourself that on a regular basis is important when you have experienced limb loss.

Seek Out Other Amputees

One of the best ways to see for yourself all of the incredible possibilities ahead of you is to engage with other amputees. Get tuned into your new community – there are amazing individuals who have been exactly where you are and would love to welcome you as part of the family.

When you’re dealing with limb loss, you are never alone. The community is absolutely incredible! Check out the Amputee Coalition website. Follow BioTech on Facebook and other social media platforms. Plug into community and regional events.

Additional Helpful Information

For additional information on adjusting to your new life, check out the links below:

Traveling can be very exciting! As you plan for your relaxing trip, there are a few things that can help you when traveling with a prosthesis.

Security at an airport often causes the most complications, but there are other considerations to traveling with a prosthetic device. Read on to learn what you need to know before you go.

Helpful Tips for Traveling

It is helpful to know that any passenger traveling with a prosthesis has the right to be screened without removing it. Providing documentation of medical conditions, however, does not exempt any passenger from additional screening if it is required.

Pat downs, the metal detectors, and imaging tools are all ways in which passengers may be screened. Be prepared. TSA officers may ask you to lift clothing or remove a belt to see your prosthesis and/or test your prosthetic device via X-ray for harmful materials.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a help line called TSA Cares you can call to receive proper guidance on traveling with various needs, including travelers who have experienced limb loss.

When you are preparing to travel with a prosthesis, orthotic device, or other personal equipment, call TSA Cares up to 72 hours in advance for assistance. You can speak to a representative who can assist you with particular questions.

Tips Before the Trip

Just like you do with everything else before your trip, make sure your prosthesis is in good condition before you leave for your trip. You don’t want any problems while you’re trying to relax. Inspect your suspension. Make sure the straps are not frayed.

Make sure everything has been cleaned well with soap and a washcloth. Look at any liners to check for gaps that may need glue or tears that may need more than that. Also, check for any rust or loose screws.

What type of weather and environment will you be visiting? Depending on your destination, you may want to take a prosthetic skin for protection. Keep some extra prosthetic socks and socket liners with you as well. Duct tape and glue, if they are small enough, may be helpful to keep around as well in case you need to make some minor repairs along the way. Don’t forget any creams or ointments you may use for comfort as well as any prescribed medication. Plastic bags or ponchos can be helpful to have as well to protect from water and sand if need be.

In the end, the most important thing is keeping in contact with your trusted prosthetics professional. They can help you in case of any emergencies and can give advice on the proper care while traveling with a prosthesis.

Chad Bailey’s life was changed 12 years ago when he lost his foot from the heel forward. He sought an orthotic device that would give him a comfort fit and make him feel like he had his foot again. Instead, he received a brace that was made of solid plastic and hurt so much that he couldn’t effectively use it.

Then Chad turned to BioTech, which built the second brace. Chad has been using the brace that BioTech created for him for 10 years now and says he couldn’t ask for anything better!

We are so excited to sponsor the Ottobock for Life Roadshow this August 24 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens! The event will feature the newest products in prosthetics, including the most advanced technologies.

Come hear powerful stories of quality outcomes from people wearing the prosthetics themselves, and witness an appearance from a very special guest! It’s an event you don’t want to miss.

Ottobock is today’s technology leader in prosthetics. Below we have listed just a few of the incredible things to look forward to at the Ottobock for Life Event.

The Michelangelo Prosthetic Hand

The Michelangelo Prosthetic hand is perhaps the most exciting prosthetic to be showcased at Ottobock for Life. This hand uses electrical pulses from the body to put the hand in motion. By attaching electrodes to the skin, you learn to flex a certain muscle in order to lift a finger, turn your wrist, grip a cup, and so on!

It is capable of seven grip types and provides a flexible wrist. It’s designed to work as close to the functions of a human hand as possible and was aesthetically designed to blend beautifully into the natural body image.

The C Brace

The C brace is an orthotropic mobility system that is built to deliver increased mobility. Patients who use the C brace are most excited about its ability to easily increase and decrease speeds, and gain greater knee flexion. Its greatest advantage is the ability to provide support throughout an entire gait cycle, versus the common lock and unlock prosthetic knee joints.

Extra Goodies

The Michelangelo Hand and C Brace aren’t enough? You will also get to learn more about microprocessor knees, and the Triton Smart Ankle.

Prior to the event there will be thirty minutes of delicious appetizers, beverages and mingling. Soon after, Ottobock’s clinical specialist, Byron Backus, CP, will be speaking on the technologies and functions behind their newest and most exciting prosthetics. Patients using their prosthetics will give personal testimonies and demonstrations.

All of this is great, but don’t leave too soon! Before the presentations are over, Noah Galloway from Dancing with the Stars will make an appearance. Following Ottobock for Life will be a cocktail reception and Meet and Greet with Noah himself!